Cambridge United 1 Sunderland 2: Story of the day after Nathan Broadhead and Alex Pritchard goals give Cats big win

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The Black Cats took the lead in the 15th minute when Alex Pritchard scored straight from a corner which went in off the far post.

Cambridge then equalised when Wes Holohan assisted Sam Smith, yet a stunning strike from Nathan Broadhead restored the visitors’ advantage.

Sunderland came under some late pressure in the second half but their defence stood firm.

Sunderland celebrate after Nathan Broadhead's goal against Cambridge.

The result means the Black Cats have closed the gap on some of their promotion rivals.

Here’s how the game played out:

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RECAP: Cambridge 1 (Smith, 28) Sunderland 2 (Pritchard, 15) (Broadhead, 37)

Key Events

Sunderland XI: Hoffmann, Winchester, Flanagan, Wright, Doyle, Dajaku, Gooch, Neil, Pritchard (Harris, 81), Broadhead, Stewart
Subs: Patterson, Alves, Embleton, O’Brien, Dunne, Harris
Cambridge XI: Mitov, Williams, Masterson, Ireside, Dunk, Digby, Hoolahan, Smith, May (Knibbs, 78), Brophy (Tracey, 78), Ironside
Subs: McKenzie,-Lyle, Okedina, Weir, Tracey, Lankester, Knibbs, Worman

Fri, 26 Nov, 2021, 22:24 BST

Cambridge boss on facing Sunderland

Here’s what Cambridge boss Mark Bonner had to say ahead of today’s match:

“I speak on it every week about teams that were in the Premier League, or teams that have huge resources and championship level squads, it gets boring, there is about ten of them.

“Everyone says the toughest League One for years that I speak to, obviously I have got no reference point for that, you have to just go along with the people that have been in the league for a number of years say.

“Sunderland started the season brilliantly. They have had a run of games that perhaps has not gone as well as they would have hoped, but you look at the league table and they are still right in touch with the top, which is where they expect to be.

“They will come here expecting to win and needing the three points, because that is the expectation and demand of that club, really. We know on our day we can be a match for any team.”

Fri, 26 Nov, 2021, 22:21 BST

The inside track on Cambridge

We caught up with Cambridge reporter Stephen Page from Cambridgeshire Live to get the inside track on Mark Bonner’s men.

Here’s what he had to say about the U’s key players: “Wes Hoolahan is always the standout name on the team sheet for United. The attacking midfielder consistently produces a level of quality that shows why he has played at higher levels. He is an excellent creative outlet for the U’s and keeping him quiet is important in nullifying United’s attacking threat.

“Up front, Joe Ironside is always a handful for opposing defenders. The striker is constantly in a battle with centre-halves, and is an important part of United’s style of play as the side’s target man.”

Lee Johnson on recent performance

Sunderland have won just one of their last five league games, which has raised concerns on Wearside.

Here’s what Johnson had to say about recent results and performances.

“There’s still been signs of quality and the quality we’ve got, and we believe we can go into the next batch of games and pick up points, and steadily improve our performances.

“There’s no panic. We’re trying to maximise what we’ve got. We’ve got challenges and we’re finding the solutions for that.

“We want to improve our style and

get it back to where it was, with that flowing football. Again, there’s factors that go into it.

“The two points-per-game is a good marker and it is a target for any side that wants promotion. We can get that.

“But you can only do that by getting the process right and the next opportunity is Cambridge.”

Fri, 26 Nov, 2021, 22:13 BST

Team news

Let’s start with the team news, and it’s not too positive.

Johnson said yesterday that he has an injury list of 7-8 players for the Cambridge game.

Most notably Aiden McGeady will be missing for a period of 8-12 weeks with a knee injury.

Luke O’Nien is also a doubt for Saturday’s game, as he is seeing a surgeon today to assess the best way to deal with a persistent shoulder problem.

Full-backs Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins and Denver Hume remain sidelined, while Lee Burge has been out with a hip flexor issue.

Corry Evans has also been struggling with a calf issue.

Read Johnson’s full injury assessment HERE

Fri, 26 Nov, 2021, 21:56 BST

It’s Matchday!

Welcome to our SAFC live blog as Lee Johnson’s side prepare to face Cambridge United in League One.

The Black Cats will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s disappointing result at Shrewsbury and revive their push for promotion.

We’ll have all the build-up Abbey Stadium, as well as live updates, analysis reaction and more.

Stick around throughout the day.